Have you ever wanted to start a business but did not know where to begin? Have you asked people who have a business and they could not quite tell you how to get started? Well, it happened to me! Therefore, I spent countless hours researching the topic of starting a business, and I also learned through trial and error. Below you will find 5 of 15 major steps you'll need to know something about. Although some of these areas I mention are much broader, I wanted to make it simple enough to understand. Keep in mind that if you want to start a large business, I recommend seeking advice from an accountant and a lawyer. This list is basically for a small business and for businesses run outside the home. Part Two will contain another 10 steps.
1. Get a business name for your business and your web site. Come up with an alternate name in case the one you choose is already taken. If you plan to start a web site, you will need to check and see if your name is available as a domain name. You will also need to check through the City Clerk's office to see if that name (d.b.a.) is available for your business in the county in which you'll be doing business (See Part Two, Step 1).
2. Check to see if that web site (domain) name is available. Then immediately register your domain name (it's like getting a business license) for your web site either directly through a registrar or through a web host that can do it for you.
3. Get a web host. It's like leasing office space. There are tons of web hosts available. It depends on your needs. They range from about $4.95 per month and up. Although you can get a "free" web site, this is very risky. The web host can register your domain name as part of the package or you can do it yourself. The prices vary because it depends what you require for a web site (how many pages, templates, etc) and what type of service you need from the web host. There are web sites available that do comparisons and reviews of web hosts. I highly recommend reading this type of information (do a web search) in order to make a good decision on a web host.
4. Get a business license through City Hall. You will need to know what type of business ownership you plan to have (sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, etc.) Accountants and attorneys can advise on what's the best type for you. "S" Corporations offer the most protection for your assets but it costs more to have. Again, there are web sites that offer information on types of business ownerships. Educate yourself in order to choose the right one for yourself.
5. Get a mailing address if you're working from inside your home. The Post Office requires a copy of your business license if the mail box will be registered to a "business" name. They only charge $20.00 for six months (in Orange County, CA). If you go through a mail center, you get a real mailing address, not a P.O. Box. However, it costs around $10.00 a month and up.
In Part Two, you will read about ten more steps to starting a business.
Copyright 2008 Mary L. Weinstein. All Rights Reserved.
Mary L. Weinstein is a certified Life Purpose Coach and a Biblical Counselor. She holds a Bachelor of Theology in Biblical Counseling. She is an ordained minister. Mary is founder and CEO of Friends with Purpose Ministries. She offers several services including coaching, counseling, articles, resources, links, a radio show, and a blog. For more information visit: http://www.friendswithpurpose.com
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